To Neill Brown, Esq.

Robeson County, North Carolina

Maury County, Tennessee

June 4, 1816

Dear Brother,

Some weeks ago John Buchan received a letter from his father, mentioning the sickness of Mother, which is the only information I have had from North Carolina since J. Buchan left there.

During the winter the epidemic was very mortal in Nashville and its vicinity; and although, it has much abated since the commencement of warm weather, yet we some times hear of the occurrence of a case. In the month of December last the whooping cough took place in the family. We had fifteen to take it, the oldest of this number was about nine years of age. It was very severe, and carried off four of my little Negro boys, two of Leah's children, one of Jude's and one of Nelley's. The oldest of the four was about three years old. After exerting my own skill for their recovery, I sent for a physician previous to the death of any of the children, but all in vein. After the death of the two first, I sent for another physician, who on coming and hearing what I had done for them, refused to do anything, saying he could do no more than was done. Through the goodness and mercy of God, we are now in good health.

On the 20^th, Susanna was delivered of a handsome daughter. She and the child are well; we have not yet named it.

We hope religion is on the gaining hand amongst us. My meeting houses have not contained my auditors any Sabbath this spring. The first Sabbath in last month I assisted William Blackburn at a communion in the neighborhood of Franklin. The audience was the largest I believe I ever witnessed. There was much solemnity, many wept and sobbed and several, unable to contain cried out aloud. One young lady, whose body was covered with silk and whose ears were loaded with gold in despite of the smelling bottle applied by her friends, screamed for nearly a quarter of an hour. On Saturday and about as long on Sabbath, I mentioned this case particularly, because she is of a very respectable family and moves in the high circles of life, but formerly inattentive to religion. Yesterday, being the first Monday of the month, society was held at my house. It was the most solemn society we have had. About thirty six besides my own family attended. Almost everyone appeared deeply affected. Three of the subjects of the last revival cried out aloud, and two of my own Negro women for the first time.

We are not too despising the day of small things. And although the cloud at its appearance may be no longer than a man's hand, yet we know not how soon it may increase so as to cover the heavens. May God grant showers of grace to succeed.

Brother Hugh's family is well. Also, J. Buie's.

We had a frost in May, which killed much of our cotton. Our spring season has been uncommonly dry. Our wheat crops are very promising. I measured one stalk of wheat this morning in my field, which is six feet, eight inches. My family joins in love to you and family, Brother William and family, but especially our dear aged Mother. Remember us to all inquiring friends.

Your Affectionate Brother,

Duncan Brown

Original: Lacy C. Buie; published in Daily Herald Columbia, Tennessee

Transcribed by Bradley M. Buie, January 2000